In the tranquil village of Kormakitis, Cyprus, a linguistic treasure teeters on the brink of extinction. Cypriot Maronite Arabic, locally known as Sanna, is spoken fluently by only about 900 individuals worldwide. This unique dialect, with roots tracing back to Syrian Arabic and enriched by Aramaic and Greek influences, was historically preserved through oral tradition within the Maronite community.
The Maronites, Arab Christians who settled in Cyprus as early as the 8th century to escape persecution, maintained their linguistic heritage in isolation. However, the 1974 Turkish invasion led to the dispersion of the community, accelerating the decline of Sanna. Today, Kormakitis remains the last active hub for the language, predominantly among the elderly.
Recognizing the urgency, the Cypriot government, European Union, and Maronite leaders have initiated revitalization efforts. These include developing a written alphabet, publishing textbooks, and offering Sanna language classes to both children and adults. Despite these initiatives, challenges persist, such as low participation and the need for more young families to settle in Kormakitis.
A significant milestone in these efforts is the creation of a documentary showcasing the endangered Sanna language. Co-organized by the Ministry of Education, the Cyprus Radio Foundation, Maronite representatives, and CyBC, the documentary features interviews with native speakers, linguists, and community members, aiming to record Sanna’s history and promote its revival.
Linguist Alexander Borg has been instrumental in developing a writing system for the language Sanna, enabling the transcription and teaching of the language Sanna. Retired teacher Elias Zonias, among others, is actively involved in translating books and songs into Sanna, contributing to its preservation.
Despite the hurdles, there is cautious optimism. Dedicated individuals and supportive institutions are working tirelessly to ensure that Sanna does not vanish into obscurity. Their efforts underscore the importance of preserving linguistic diversity and cultural heritage for future generations.
